Rockets Schedule 2012: Home Stand Continues Against Minnesota

The Houston Rockets opened a six-game home stand on Wednesday with a 96-95 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and snapped a two game losing streak in the process. Up next for the Rockets is Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Despite the buzz surrounding the Timberwolves this season, Minnesota currently finds itself in last place in the Northwest division with a 14-16 record. The Timberwolves are 5-5 in its last 10 games but is 2-1 against the Rockets this season.

On Sunday, the Utah Jazz will pay a visit to the Toyota Center for the first time this season. The Jazz are 14-14 on the season and have been struggling of late losing seven of its last 10 games and two in a row.

For more on the Houston Rockets be sure to check out The Dream Shake. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Rockets Vs. Thunder Final Score: Houston Takes Down OKC 96-95

Two Kevin Martin free throws with just 23 seconds remaining provided the winning difference in the Houston Rocket's 96-95 win over the Western Conference leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

Just one day after expressing displeasure over his touches and minutes, Kevin Martin scored 32 points including the two game winning free throws. Martin hit 10-18 shots, 4-7 from three-point range and all eight of his free throw attempts. Luis Scola added 15 points while Chandler Parsons added 14.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 33 points and Russell Westbrook added 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Harden added 17 points off the bench for the Thunder.

The win improves Houston's record to 17-13 overall and 11-3 at the Toyota Center. Oklahoma City falls to 22-7 on the season and 12-6 on the road.

For more on the Rockets, head over to The Dream Shake while Welcome To Loud City has you covered for all things Thunder related. For more news and insights on The Assocation, check out the SB Nation NBA hub page.

Rockets Vs. Thunder Score: Houston Holding 45-44 Lead At Halftime

The Houston Rockets built a big first quarter lead but a charge by the Thunder in the second quarter has Houston only in front 45-44 at halftime.

Houston built a 29-13 first quarter advantage but was outscored 31-16 in the second. Kevin Martin led the Rockets with 15 points while hitting 3-5 shots from beyond the arc in the first half. Luis Scola added 12 points while Samuel Dalembert grabbed 11 first-half rebounds. Kyle Lowry scored just five points but dished out a team-high six assists.

Rusell Westbrook scored 13 points in the first half to lead the Thunder. Kevin Durant added 12 points and James Harden came off the bench to score seven. Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison added six points each.

For more on the Rockets, head over to The Dream Shake while Welcome To Loud Cityhas you covered for all things Thunder related. For more news and insights on The Assocation, check out the SB Nation NBA hub page.

NBA MVP 2012 Power Rankings: Houston Prepares To Face Two MVP Candidates Vs. Oklahoma City

The Houston Rockets dropped their final two games on their six-game road trip and must recover as they prepare for a six-game homestand that begins with the best team in the Western Conference as the Oklahoma City Thunder come to H-Town on Wednesday night.

In Tom Ziller's updated NBA MVP Rankings, he has ranked Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in his top ten. While Kevin Durant's rank at No. 2 is par for the course these days, seeing Westbrook emerge at the No. 10 spot speaks volumes to the level that the point guard is performing. Westbrook will be matched up with another rising point guard in Kyle Lowry, as the two will square off to see who can fill up the box score the most.

Houston has started making considerations to move shooting guard Kevin Martin to other teams, but if Martin can breakout of his shooting doldrums than the Rockets have a chance to stay afloat in the highly competitive conference.

For more on the Rockets, head over to The Dream Shake while Welcome To Loud City has you covered for all things Thunder related. For more news and insights on The Assocation, check out the SB Nation NBA hub page.

Rockets Vs. Thunder: Game Preview, TV Info And More

Houston will need a quick turn-around from their six-game road trip when they host Oklahoma City Wednesday night.